Machine tool titans in Sudbury

Methods has become one of the largest precision equipment suppliers in North America.

By Bob Tremblay/Daily News staff

MetroWest Daily News, Framingham, MA

By Bob Tremblay/Daily News staff

Posted Aug. 13, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Aug 13, 2012 at 1:04 PM

By Bob Tremblay/Daily News staff

Posted Aug. 13, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Aug 13, 2012 at 1:04 PM

SUDBURY

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In the market for a precision machine tool? You're not likely to acquire one at the local hardware store. However, you can acquire one - or more - from Methods Machine Tools Inc.

The Sudbury-based company is one the largest importers and suppliers of precision machine tools in North America. Founded in November 1958 with three employees and a few refurbished machines, Methods now boasts more than 300 employees, seven facilities/technology centers and more than 29,000 systems installed.

"Anyone can sell a machine," said the company's late founder, Clement McIver Sr., "but not everyone provides the extra effort that makes a difference on a company’s bottom line."

"Our founder’s vision has remained with us in the past 50-plus years," adds Scott McIver, Methods' chairman and third-generation owner. "We offer a total solution of service from design and applications to engineering, installation, training and unmatched support, to help companies be more profitable, productive and competitive. Our mission is to continue to provide innovative, world-class products backed by customer-focused services and support."

Methods' CEO and President Bryon Deysher of Concord, who was instrumental in expanding Methods' expertise, products and solutions, recently discussed the company with Daily News staff writer Bob Tremblay.

QUESTION: How did you come up with the company's name?

ANSWER: The classic definition and job description of a "methods engineer" as a college major includes the development of manufacturing processes by studying product requirements, researching and designing manufacturing equipment and conferring with equipment vendors and users to provide the ultimate process solution for the product. This includes tooling selection, equipment selection, assembly and quality control. The description very accurately describes the capabilities of our company.

Q: What does your company sell?

A: From aerospace, medical and energy to automotive markets, Methods Machine Tools Inc. has provided innovative, productive solutions in manufacturing technology for more than 50 years. Today, Methods’ solutions are at the heart of some of the most advanced, automated metalworking manufacturing operations in North America.

A: Methods has built an excellent reputation in the industry by closely partnering with high-quality machine manufacturers and end-user customers, providing strong application knowledge along with outstanding service and support. This unrivaled combination of leading machine technology, application expertise and service enables Methods’ customers to consistently obtain highly productive, profitable operations and quality parts.

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Methods brings their customers the total solution by analyzing applications to find the most advanced, practical methods to meet those needs. Whether it is machine programming or automation, Methods’ engineers provide the solution that’s right for the application.

Our sales and support centers work with an extensive, national network of distributors and EDM dealers to offer the technology solutions demanded by machine shop owners. In addition, Methods has state-of-the-art technology centers across the United States that include machines, training facilities, spare parts, and engineering support. Our Sudbury headquarters includes 175,000 square feet of applications, sales, service and a huge showroom with a full range of operating machines. Machines are configured to customer specifications at this fully equipped technology center. The spindle repair facility, an electrical assembly area, machine shop, sheet metal shop, paint booth and a state-of-the-art quality control center, including Zeiss coordinate measuring machines, are also included at the headquarters, and Methods has a full inventory of tooling and accessories. An application engineering team is dedicated to solving customized challenges and integrating modifications.

More than 95 percent of spare part requests can be shipped the same day by Methods’ parts department from our Sudbury location. The Methods’ customer service team is staffed by engineers with years of experience, who have immediate access to the machine manufacturer or applications personnel that designed or customized the customers’ machines. Service representatives are also available to make responsive onsite service calls.

Q: What is the price of your products?

A: We provide a broad range of machining solutions with prices ranging from $75,000 to $1.5 million.

Q: What has been your annual sales growth?

A: Eight to 10 percent.

Q: Any news to report?

A: Methods recently hosted a major technology open house. There is also a continuing stream of new products being introduced.

The corporate headquarters for Methods Machine Tools Inc. is at 65 Union Ave., Sudbury. It has offices in Detroit, Charlotte, Phoenix, Chicago and Los Angeles. Its website is www.methodsmachine.com.